An Angry Minneapolis Cop

We were out pedaling around today in the 40+ degree sunny weather. We took in a bicycle event that happens here every year on the day before Superbowl. I guess I shouldn't call out its name, but it does attract a few hundred people on bikes.

This event ended at a Bar in the Cedar Riverside area. A Minneapolis Police Officer was on the scene, talking to a few people on the sidewalk near the fence. Some of the people had a video camera. We didn't hear what was being discussed. We locked on to a parking meter and the female officer with crew cut-like hair walks away in full-on rant mode. She said something like... "great, video tape my ass..." and continued her meandering soliloquy.

Every time I have an encounter with the Minneapolis Police Department, its an odd encounter. If some car... errrr person... decides to tap your back fender intentionally with their Jeep during a fit of road rage, the Minneapolis Police will do nothing. If your house is broken into, don't expect anything from the Minneapolis Police. Now this... admittedly odd encounter. The few times that I have had an encounter with the St Paul Police department have been completely the opposite... professional and with an intent to "serve and protect".

What is it about the Minneapolis Police Department?

Julie's Birthday

My sister turned 40-something yesterday. I was late with the card, so I said to hell with it and just called her. We talked for a minute about "Julio's" dual life, of sorts. That being, Julio before-kids and Julio after-kids.

If I were to keep score, it would look like this....

Julio - Before Kids:
- Intravenous bottle of vodka at Marquette Univ dorm room, stocked at all times with cheap vodka.

- Weekly trips to Miller Brewery for a "Brewery Tour", followed by a run through the tasting room, where the coeds (and most visitors) aren't limited in the amount of free High Life they can have. Top off the evening with a Singapore Sling at the revolving roof-top lounge at the Hyatt. Buy one and sip it for two hours, unless some Milwaukee WASP treats Julio and her coed pals (including MoTown Paula) to another.

- After college at a MN Twins game, Julio is teasing some kid sitting in front of us. It escalates to the point where Julio opens her mouth to show off a mouthful of half-chewed nachos to the kid. The kid responds by doing the same... and gets busted by his parent... who swats the kid. What does Julio do in response? She laughs out loud.

Julio - After Kids:
- House stocked at all times with fine wine and liquor. Julio and Husband "S" are generous and welcome us to share!

- Swanky McMansion in the suburbs, added a SWEET pool a couple years ago. I believe that we are welcome over anytime, provided that (1) I don't cuss in front of her kids and (2) I stop teaching them how to shoot the moon.

- After a few visits, Julio repeatedly tells her kids, A & B, that "Uncle Jim might be funny, but he is not always right"

Happy Birthday Julio!